Hemp seeds are particularly rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which help in reducing cholesterol, blood pressure and triglycerides, great for promoting heart and brain health.
It’s not unusual for the worlds of cuisine, fashion and beauty to take unconventional products and turn them into everyday use, and hemp is the new ‘in’ product being used in beauty products, food, health supplements and even clothing.
Hemp is not actually a new ingredient, however. It dates all the way back to 8,000 BC when it was cultivated in Iraq. It was also used in weaving the original Levi’s jeans, as well as the first-ever American flag.
So what is hemp? Hemp is always associated with the green ‘erb, and rightly so. It is indeed a variety of the cannabis plant but grown for industrial use only, and has no psychoactive properties.
Hemp has been dubbed a superfood, and for good reason. Hemp seeds are particularly rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which help in reducing cholesterol, blood pressure and triglycerides, great for promoting heart and brain health. It’s antioxidant effects can help in improving your heart, skin and joint health. Plus, it’s a great source of protein!
As well as being a natural, holistic health product, hemp is also planet friendly. It essentially acts as natures very own purifier as it grabs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and makes our air much cleaner to breathe. Hemp also absorbs toxic metals and was famously used after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster to absorb radioactive strontium and cesium. Hemp doesn’t require any pesticides or herbicides to grow and only needs little water.
Clothing made from hemp is durable, breathable and is also ideal for people with chemical sensitivities thanks to the natural processing techniques. Because hemp only takes four months to flourish, it promotes sustainable farming. It’s also completely biodegradable which is obviously a huge plus for Mother Earth.
Overall, hemp is a highly beneficial material that offers numerous benefits for both ourselves and our planet. Below and opposite are a few of the best hemp products available.
Hemp Directory
Hemphouse NZ
Hemphouse NZ was founded by a couple of lads from Christchurch with a vision of making hemp clothing mainstream in New Zealand. They firmly believe that style and sustainability can go hand in hand! Hemphouse NZ stocks casual everyday wear to high-end fashion pieces for both men and women. At least half of their clothes are made of 100% hemp fabric and the rest are hemp blended with other organic fibres. Follow Hemphouse NZ on Facebook and Instagram @hemphousenz
omeganz
Unleash your beauty from within by consuming omega fatty acids. Evening primrose oil (high in omega-6 and GLA) and hemp seed oil (balanced omegas 3, 6 and 9 with GLA) have been shown to have an uplifting effect on skin, hair, nails and joints. They also help maintain healthy hormone levels. omeganz captures the stunning health benefits nature offers, crafting natural, cold pressed, NZ grown oils for wellness.
Pure Heart Aotearoa
Based in Dannevirke, Pure Heart Aotearoa is a company established by Ngāti Kahungunu ki Tāmaki nui-a-Rua, located in the Tararua district. They are one of six rohe (regions) belonging to the Ngāti Kahungunu. Ngāti Kahungunu translates to ‘people of Kahungunu’. Kahungunu , the chief, grew crops and created prosperity by ensuring the availability of food for his community. This was the inspiration behind the creation of Pure Heart Aotearoa and continues to be their guiding principle. Photo credit: Brad Hanson Creative. bradhansoncreative.com
Hemp Connect
Hemp Connect is New Zealand’s first vertically integrated hemp company. We grow, process and distribute our hemp, keeping careful eyes on everything from the moment planting begins to the final label being attached. This allows us to stand behind our promise to produce the highest quality and best value hemp foods in New Zealand ensuring unparalleled quality from field to meal. Enter promo code: VERVE21 for 10% discount on any order*
* (limit 1 per person).
